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âAs the Mayor of the City of The Hague, I would like to recommend the extraordinary photo exhibition Wild Wonders of Europe.

...The outreach and impact of the exhibition exceeded my expectations.

...Wild Wonders of Europe would be an asset to any city in the world and I recommend the exhibition without reservations. It is truly unseen, unexpected and unforgettable!âJ.J Van Aartsen, Mayor of The Hague

From May 2010 until 2013, the Wild Wonders of Europe Outdoor Exhibition will be on tour throughout Europe and beyond.

Open 24 hrs a day, with free admission to all!

"It was the tremendous quality of the photography that really did appeal to people in a strong way.
The wild beauty of our continent took passers-by completely by surprise.
For too long nature conservationists have told the sad story of loss â loss of species, loss of forests, loss of areas where nature rules.
Wild Wonders of Europe, on the other hand, tells a story of love.
It is this positive message that wins the hearts of people."

Grand Opening

The World Premiere of the Wild Wonders of Europe outdoor exhibition was inaugurated in The Hague on 27 May 2010 by Her Royal Highness, Princess Irene of The Netherlands, patron of the âCoalitie Biodiversiteit 2010â in an inspiring ceremony held at The 'Ridderzaal' (The Grand Hall of Knights).

Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Gerda Verburg, Mayor Van Aartsen and Chris Kalden, General Director, Staatsbosbeheer took part in a round table discussion alongside Wild Wonders of Europe Managing Director, Staffan Widstrand, Director of Wereld Natuurfonds, Johan van de Gronden, Chief Editor of National Geographic Netherlands and Belgium, Aart Aarsbergen and Ruben Smit (Wild Wonders of Europe photographer). The well known Dutch TV personality Menno Bentveld chaired the special event which was attended by a host of leading dignitaries, including European Ambassadors, European Parliamentarians and decision makers in the world of conservation.

Princess Irene and 50 school children then unveiled the 100 images with a dramatic drumroll and kaleidoscope of colour, officially opening the 100 images to the public. The exhibition remained on show at Lange Vijverberg, immediately opposite the Dutch Parliament for the duration of the summer. The life size images being enjoyed day and night with free entry offered to all.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, the municipality of The Hague and Staatsbosbeheer made it possible for the Wild Wonders of Europe Exhibition to come to The Netherlands for which we were extremely grateful. The Hague in turn was particularly proud to host the World premiere of this unique cultural event during the International Year of Biodiversity, and as 2nd UN-city in the world and greenest city of The Netherlands. Wild Wonders of Europe was one of the events during The Hague Festivals 2010 from 10 to 27 June.

To coincide with the exhibition the photo book Wild Wonders of Europe was released, available now in ten languages with a Dutch edition by National Geographic and Carrera publishers. More information about this superb book can be found at http://www.wild-wonders.com/the_book.asp